Find an Expert

Connecting research, evidence and expertise.

NARI's expert directory brings together researchers, clinicians and subject matter specialists whose work spans some of the most important challenges and opportunities associated with ageing.

The directory is designed to help journalists, policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, industry partners, students and community organisations quickly identify experts with relevant knowledge and experience.

50

Years of ageing research

66

Researchers

56

Research projects

7

Research focus areas

Browse the directory

Meet our researchers.

Research area

Professor · RN, BAppSci (Adv Nsg), MBioeth, PhD

Alison Hutchinson

Honorary Fellow

Professor Alison Hutchinson is the Chair in Nursing at Barwon Health, a Professor in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Deakin University, and…

Health Systems

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· CPA Life Member, MAICD

Andrew Simpson

Chair of the Finance, Audit & Risk Management Committee

Director, NARI Board Chair of the Finance, Audit & Risk Management Committee Andrew Simpson is a CFO, Non-Executive Director, Chair, Audit and Risk Committee…

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Doctor · BSc (Science Scholar) (Hons); DPsych (Clin Neuro)

Anita Goh

Director Social Gerontology and Principal Research Fellow

Associate Professor Anita Goh (MAPS, FCCN) is a clinician researcher, with expertise in mental health, cognition, ageing, and dementia. Anita is a clinical neuropsychologist…

Dementia

CMS

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Associate Professor · B App Sci (Physio), PhD

Catherine Said

Honorary Fellow

Associate Professor Said is the inaugural Associate Professor Physiotherapy, Western Health and The University of Melbourne, and a program director with the Australian Institute…

Physical Activity

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Associate Professor · B App Sc (Physio), M Health St, PhD, Grad Cert Public Policy

Frances Batchelor

Director of Clinical Gerontology, Research Lead Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration

Associate Professor Frances Batchelor is a Senior Principal Research Fellow and Director of the Clinical Gerontology Division. She is also the Research Lead for…

Health Systems

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Associate Professor · BSc (Hons), PhD

Josefine Antoniades

Honorary Fellow

Josefine Antoniades is an Associate Professor in Health Communication at la Trobe University and an Honorary Research Fellow at NARI. She was awarded her…

Psychosocial & Mental Health

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Doctor · BA(Hons), PhD

Kirsten Moore

Honorary Fellow

Kirsten Moore is a social gerontologist and Honorary Fellow at NARI. She returned to NARI in 2020 after six years working at the Marie…

Health Systems

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Associate Professor · B.Sc (Hons), Grad Dip (Transcultural Mental Health), PhD

Lucio Naccarella

Honorary Fellow

A/Prof Lucio Naccarella is a leading health systems researcher, evaluator and implementation science educator, with interests in systems change, health system literacy, aged care…

Health Systems

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Associate Professor · MBBS, FRACP, PhD

Paul Andrew Yates

Honorary Fellow

Associate Professor Paul Yates is a geriatrician with Austin Health, Deputy Director of Aged Care Research and Medical Lead for the Residential InReach Program.…

Health Systems

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Associate Professor · PhD, FRANZCP, GradCert POA, MPsych, AFRACMA, MBBS, BMedSc

Samantha Loi

Honorary Fellow

Associate Professor Samantha Loi is an old age psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist working at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Neuropsychiatry Centre and Department of Psychiatry at…

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· BHSc (Hons)

Caitlin Tay

Research Assistant

Caitlin is a Research Assistant within the Aged Care Division at NARI. She has a background in public health and is currently working on…

Health SystemsHealthy Ageing

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· BBiomed, MSpPath, CPSP-SPA

Connie Huang

Bilingual Research Assistant

Connie is a Bilingual Research Assistant in NARI’s Aged Care Division. She is a part of the Befriending with GENIE project, an intervention to…

Psychosocial & Mental Health

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· MAppEcmets, BCom

Danyang Dai

Research Officer

Danyang is a Research Officer working on the IMPART (IMproving PAlliative care in Residential aged care using Telehealth) project, overseeing the management of clinical…

Health Systems

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Doctor · RN, BN, MNg Continence, DHlth

Alyson Sweeney

Honorary Fellow

Dr Alyson Sweeney is a Registered Nurse who has specialised in the management of incontinence and care for people with urinary catheters. Her ProfDoc…

Health Systems

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Dr · BEcon, PhD

Alyssa Welch

Director, Commercialisation and Consultancy

Senior Research Policy and Practice Fellow Alyssa is a Senior Research Policy and Practice Fellow at NARI with an extensive background in project management…

Health Systems

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Doctor · BA (Hons), GradCertBiostat, MCMS, PhD

Andrew Simon Gilbert

Research Fellow

Andrew is a Research Fellow in the Aged Care Division at NARI. He currently works on the PITCH First Nations project and a number…

Health Systems

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Doctor · BIntBus (Hons), BBehSc (Hons), GradDip Psych, PhD

Anna Lane

Research Fellow

Dr Anna Lane is a Research Fellow in the Social Gerontology Division at NARI and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne. She…

Psychosocial & Mental Health

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Doctor · BPhysio, BA (Hons), PhD

Bronwyn Dreher

Research Fellow

Dr Bronwyn Dreher is a Research Fellow in the Clinical Gerontology Division at NARI, working on the ENJOY projects. She is a registered Physiotherapist,…

Health SystemsPhysical Activity

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Dr · BPharm (Hons), MSc CPIPP, PhD, PGCert Evaluation

Celene Yap

Research Fellow

Dr Celene Yap is a Research Fellow at Clinical Gerontology division, specialising in the emergency care for older people. Her work focuses on improving…

Health Systems

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Doctor · BA (Hons), PhD

Christa Dang

Research Fellow

Christa is a Research Fellow at the National Ageing Research Institute, working on a variety of projects all centred around quality of care for…

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Doctor

David Barry

Research Fellow

BSc (Biomed Sci), B App Sc (Human Movement, Hons), DC (USA), ND (USA), PhD (Human Nutrition), Grad Cert Research & Innovation Management David is…

Healthy Ageing

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Dr · PhD, BPsySc (Hons)

Ellen Gaffy

Research Officer

Research Fellow Dr Ellen Gaffy is a Research Fellow at the National Ageing Research Institute and a PhD graduate from La Trobe University. At…

Psychosocial & Mental Health

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Doctor · PhD, MSc, BSc (Hons), APD

Jeew Hettiarachchi

Research Fellow

Dr Jeew Hettiarachchi is a Research Fellow in the Social Gerontology Division at NARI. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with research expertise in…

Healthy Ageing

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Doctor · PhD (Psych), MSci (Psych) eqiv., BSci (Psych) eqiv.

Katrin Gerber

Honorary Fellow

Dr Katrin Gerber is a NARI Honorary Fellow. She is an end-of-life researcher with a PhD in Psychology from the University of Melbourne. Since…

Psychosocial & Mental Health

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Doctor · BSc, MSc, PhD

Lidia Engel

Honorary Fellow

Dr Lidia Engel is an Honorary Fellow at NARI and a Senior Research Fellow at Monash University. She currently holds a Dementia Australia Post-Doctoral…

Health Systems

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Doctor · MBBS MPH FRACMA FAIDH FCHSM

Monica Trujillo

Director, NARI Board

Dr Monica Trujillo is a Director of the NARI Board. She is Telstra Health’s Chief Health and Risk Officer, combining clinical expertise with digital…

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Dr · BA, BSW, Grad Dip, PhD

Paulene Mackell

Senior Research Fellow

Dr. Paulene Mackell is employed as a casual Senior Research Fellow within the Clinical Gerontology division. She is an experienced social worker with a…

Health Systems

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Professor · BSc (Hons), PhD

Suzanne Byers

Senior Research Policy and Practice Fellow

Dr Suzanne Byers is a Senior Research Policy and Practice Fellow with the Commercialisation and Consultancy team at NARI. She brings extensive experience in…

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Doctor · BscEcon, MA, PhD

Tiina Vaittinen

Honorary Fellow

Dr Tiina Vaittinen is a generalist social scientist specialising in care ethics and global political economies of care based in Tampere University, Finland. She…

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Dr · BSc, MSc

Tofunmi Aworinde

Research Fellow

Dr Tofunmi Aworinde is a Research Fellow at NARI. Tofunmi has experience in dementia care research, shared decision-making, intervention development and evaluation. He currently…

Health Systems

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Doctor · BSc, MSW, MPhil, PhD

Upasana Baruah

Research Fellow

Dr Upasana Baruah is a Research Fellow at NARI in the Division of Social Gerontology. She is a social work and mental health professional…

Psychosocial & Mental Health

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Dr · BBiomed (Hons), GDipPsych (Adv), PhD

Wei Hsuan Michelle Chiu

Research Fellow

Dr Wei-Hsuan (Michelle) Chiu is a Research Fellow in the Aged Care and Social Gerontology Division at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI). Her…

Psychosocial & Mental Health

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Dr · BSc (Econ), MSc (BusAnalytics), PhD, FRM

Zhichao Wang

Research Fellow

Zhichao is a research fellow at NARI and Centre for Health Services Research, University of Queensland. As a health economist, his research focuses on…

Health Systems

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· MNS, B App Sci (Adv Nurs), Grad Cert Mid, Grad Cert Prom Cont., RN, FRCNA

Elizabeth Watt

Senior Research Fellow

Liz is a Senior Research Fellow within the Aged Care Division of NARI. Liz is a Registered Nurse with over 30-years of experience as…

Health Systems

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Professor · AC

Margaret Gardner

Patron — Governor of Victoria

Professor Margaret Gardner was the 9th and first woman President and Vice-Chancellor of Monash University from 1 September 2014 until 4 August 2023. Prior…

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· BA (Cultural Policy), GAICD, FARMS

Janice Besch

Director, NARI Board

Janice Besch is a Director of the NARI Board. Ms Besch is currently the Head of the Grants Development Team at Hunter Medical Research…

Health Systems

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· BMgmt, MS

Jin Li

Bilingual Research Assistant

Jin Li is a Research Assistant at NARI, working on the Befriending with GENIE project to support people living with dementia and their family…

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· BBioTech (Hons), MPublicHealth

Kanishka Iddawela

Project and Communications Officer

Kanishka is a Projects and Communications Officer working with NARI’s Commercialisation and Consultancy team. He has a background in medical research and designing, implementing…

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· BA (Hons)

Kathryn Squires

Research Officer and Website Manager

Kathryn Squires is a researcher at the National Ageing Research Institute and a PhD candidate in the School of Health and Social Development at…

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· BDevSt, MstInterDevPractice

Kayla Lock

Research Officer

Kayla Lock is a Research Officer within the Social Gerontology division at NARI interested in program evaluation, including realist evaluation and implementation science. Kayla…

Health Systems

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· BComm, GradCertMgmt, MA Strategic Public Relations

Kylie Cochrane

Director, NARI Board

Kylie Cochrane brings to NARI more than 30 years of communications, engagement, media and marketing experience including 15 years on not for profit and…

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· BSc, BBiomed (Hons)

Liam Borelli Millott

Research Assistant

Liam (pronouns he/him) is a Research Assistant working on the 3C Respite Program project with the Clinical Gerontology Division and also assists with coordination…

Psychosocial & Mental Health

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· BSc (Physio), MSc (Sport & Exercise Physio)

Mairead Hallissey

Research Officer

Mairead is a Research Officer at NARI working on the ENJOY Seniors Exercise Parks Projects. She is an APA Sport and Exercise Physiotherapist with…

Falls & BalancePhysical Activity

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· BA (Hons)

Marcia Fearn

Research Policy and Practice Fellow

Research Policy and Practice FellowResearch Administration Officer Marcia has a background in psychology and social science and is a Research Practice and Policy Fellow…

Health SystemsPsychosocial & Mental Health

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· BA, MSocPol, GAICD

Nina Bowes

Honorary Fellow

Nina Bowes is a senior strategy and innovation leader specialising in enterprise strategy, governance, research and reform. She has over a decade of experience…

Health Systems

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· BBioMedSc (Hons)

Nyssa Clarke

Research Assistant

Nyssa Clarke is a Research Assistant working on the MINDSET project at NARI. Nyssa has experience in public health research, primarily in the areas…

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Dr Patricia Edgar has had a long career at the forefront of media for children nationally and internationally, winning multiple awards for her achievements…

Healthy Ageing

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· BBiomed

Pinyi Zou

Research Assistant

Pinyi is a Research Assistant at NARI. She completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Human Structure and Function.…

Healthy Ageing

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· MDem

Pooi Kheng Lee

Casual Bilingual Research Assistant

Pooi Kheng, also known as PK, is a Bilingual Research Assistant in NARI's Aged Care Division. She contributes to the MRFF-funded Befriending with GENIE…

Psychosocial & Mental Health

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Professor · BSW MA PhD

Briony Dow

Honorary Fellow

Professor Briony Dow is the former Director of the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) and Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and…

Psychosocial & Mental Health

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Professor · BM PhD

Claudia Cooper

Honorary Fellow

Professor Cooper collaborates with NARI on a number of studies, including PITCH, No More Shame and Moving Pictures India. She leads the Queen Mary…

DementiaHealth Systems

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Professor · BA Hons PhD MAPS

Colleen Doyle

Honorary Fellow

Colleen Doyle is an Honorary Fellow at NARI and Honorary Professor in Psychological Science at Swinburne University. Colleen has received a career total of…

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Professor · BMedSci, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, Med FRACP, Honorary FRACMA

Geoff McColl

Chair, NARI Board Professor Geoff McColl is an Emeritus Professor and previous Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Queensland…

Health Systems

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Doctor · RN, GCert Cont Prom, GCertHE, MNurs-Res, PhD

Joan Ostaszkiewicz

Aged Care Research Program Director

Joan Ostaszkiewicz is a Program Manager in the Clinical Gerontology Division at the National Ageing Research Institute, Honorary Associate Professor in the Faculty of…

Health Systems

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Professor · BSc (Psych, Hons), PhD

Lee Fay Low

Honorary Fellow

Lee-Fay Low is an Honorary Fellow at NARI and Professor in Ageing and Health at the University of Sydney. She is a psychologist who…

Health Systems

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Professor · MBBS MMed PhD FRACP FACHSM

Len Gray

Honorary Fellow

Len Gray is a senior researcher and Professor in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Queensland. He is trained and has extensive experience in…

Health Systems

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Professor · MB BS, GradDipEpid, PhD, FRACP

Leon Flicker

Honorary Fellow

Leon Flicker is the inaugural Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Western Australia since 1998 and Executive Director of the Western Australian…

DementiaFalls & Balance

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Professor · B.Ed, PhD

Pazit Levinger

Principal Researcher

Professor Levinger is a Senior Principal Researcher (Accredited Exercise Physiologist) at NARI. She also holds Honorary positions at the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living…

Falls & BalanceHealthy AgeingPhysical Activity

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Professor · RN, MSc, PhD

Sigrid Nakrem

Honorary Fellow

Professor Sigrid Nakrem is a Registered Nurse and an academic at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Public Health and Nursing.…

Health Systems

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Professor · BEcon (Hons), BPhty, PhD

Tracy Comans

Director, NARI

Professor Tracy Comans is the Director of the National Ageing Research Institute, a position she leverages to influence aged care policy and quality on…

Health Systems

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Professor · PhD, M Pharm, B Pharm, B Arts

Tuan Nguyen

Senior Principal Research Fellow

Professor Tuan Anh Nguyen is a Senior Principal Research Fellow at NARI and an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at Trinity College…

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· BBiomedSc, BPharmSc (Hons)

Simona Markusevska

Research Assistant

I have a background in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, and prior experience working in clinical trials. As part of my role with NARI, I…

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· BJourn, MDevStud

Stephanie Chen

Project and Communications Officer

Stephanie is a Project and Communications Officer on the Consultancy and Commercialisation team at NARI. Stephanie has a background in communications and community development…

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· Exec MBA, BN, GradCertNeuroNsg, GradDip ACP

Stephen Thomas

Director, NARI Board

Stephen Thomas has been a Director of the NARI Board since late 2023. He brings an extensive range of experience to the board, having…

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· BPharm, MoA, GAICD

Sue Leitch

Deputy Chair, NARI Board

Sue Leitch is a company director and visual artist. She is a retired pharmacist with a background in community and consultant pharmacy, and health…

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· M Physio, B App Sci (Phyt), B Sci

Sue Williams

Senior Policy and Practice Fellow

Sue Williams is a Policy and Practice Fellow (Physiotherapist) with over 30 years of clinical practice and research experience working with older people across…

Health SystemsPhysical Activity

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· BPsych (Hons)

Sunny Huang

Bilingual Research Assistant

Sunny Huang is a Bilingual Research Assistant at NARI, working on collecting data and completing validated measures with people living with dementia and their…

Psychosocial & Mental Health

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· BSc (Hons)

Zara Page

Research Assistant

Zara is a Research Assistant in the Division of Social Gerontology, working on the e-DiVA Project at NARI. She is currently a final year…

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Finding the right expert

Not sure where to begin?

Start by selecting the research area most closely aligned with your enquiry. Researchers often work across multiple disciplines, reflecting the interconnected nature of ageing, health and care. A specialist in dementia may also contribute to healthy ageing research, and experts in falls prevention frequently work across rehabilitation, physical activity and health services research.

The directory has been designed to make these connections easier to navigate, helping you identify the expertise most relevant to your question, project or area of interest.